Online check in disaster!

[Sheribo]

We are currently staying at SSR and did the online check in but when we arrived we found that we were in the Paddock. We booked at the 11 month window and requested the Grandstand or Congress park since we haven't stayed in either before. When I said that I would like to be moved, I was told that I hadn't made any requests when I did online check in and that my previous request was wiped out at that point. After that, the room is randomly assigned. The only requests that you can make when you do the online check in is 'ground floor' or 'close to transportation'.

They did not have a separate desk or person to hand out check in packages. We all waited in the same line up and the CM just walked to a trolley and pulled the premade package from a bin. We did everything the same way as before.

And yes, they did move us but I will not do online check in again. OK, down to the bar!

[WilsonFlyer]

Thanks for learning that lesson for the rest of us.

So much for online check-in. Proof yet again that if Disney can screw up something online, they will.

They can throw the online check-in up. None of us will ever use it again after this. Way to go DVC!!!!

[CarolA]

Thanks for learning that lesson for the rest of us.

So much for online check-in. Proof yet again that if Disney can screw up something online, they will.

They can throw the online check-in up. None of us will ever use it again after this. Way to go DVC!!!!

Some of us weren't planning to use it anyway! And I don't find the Paddock to be a "disaster" LOL! I have stayed there, it was great and everything else is a request!

The "disaster" will be when on line check in "cancels" your reservation.

[disneynutz]

Please share your experiance with the DVC Member Satisfaction Team. dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

[timandlesley]

How terrible! So they won't let you select a certain section through online checkin? If that's the case then I definitely won't be using that service!
Lesley

[Anal Annie]

I'm sorry you had to find out the hard way that it's another stoopid IT move by Disney. That settles it for me - I won't be using the system! Hope the rest of your trip improves!!:hug:

[BWV Dreamin]

Some of us weren't planning to use it anyway! And I don't find the Paddock to be a "disaster" LOL! I have stayed there, it was great and everything else is a request!

The "disaster" will be when on line check in "cancels" your reservation.
:rotfl2: :lmao: :laughing: Hmmm....nope, will checkin the old fashion way (you'd be surprised what room a $20 bill gets you!)

[Melani]

We are currently staying at SSR and did the online check in but when we arrived we found that we were in the Paddock. We booked at the 11 month window and requested the Grandstand or Congress park since we haven't stayed in either before. When I said that I would like to be moved, I was told that I hadn't made any requests when I did online check in and that my previous request was wiped out at that point.

:surfweb: - what happened to the smilie that was taking notes?

[dairyqueenmom]

I hate to be a downer, but not getting the building you requested doesn't seem like a disaster to me. Having your reservation wiped out and no rooms available is a disaster. A request is just that, a request. Even if your request was noted it doesn't mean you are going to get it. Thank you for letting us know that your requests are wiped when you check in on line, I will probably not check in online now. Sometimes the drama is too much for me on disboards over requests not granted.:confused3

[White_Sox_Fan]

I am checking in on Friday and did online check-in. I also had a request in for Congress Park or Grandstand, as well as a second reservation with a request that we be located as near together as possible. Could I just contact the resort on Friday morning and reiterate my request? Would anyone know the number I would call?

[dis-happy]

SSR may not have a separate area, but last week at WL there was a sign at the very end of the counter (and a CM standing there) for those that did on-line check in. For that part, at least, YMMV at the different resorts.

[Liljam]

I am checking in on Friday and did online check-in. I also had a request in for Congress Park or Grandstand, as well as a second reservation with a request that we be located as near together as possible. Could I just contact the resort on Friday morning and reiterate my request? Would anyone know the number I would call?


Call SSR directly a few days ahead of Friday - Maybe on Tuesday or Wednesday, and tell them your situation and that you realize requests aren't guaranteed but that you'd like to try to make sure that the requests stay on your check in since you also heard that only "ground floor" and "near Transportation" can be requested for online check in. They will most likely be clueless, tell you to call MS or transfer you and you should call back a few more times and hopefully it will work out for you.

MS told me to call the resort directly about my Grandstand request for the GV I had booed in 08 because they assign those earlier than other rooms (according to what I was told then) so I called two days ahead of time and verified the request and was told that they would try their best to make it work because they were assigning rooms at that time. Our request came through but we also arrived at 11am and our room was already ready. I would just double check with the resort.

[BWV Dreamin]

This whole online check-in process is not saving anyone any time, when we still are calling the resort to make sure our requests are in writing. Lots of redundency here....why isn't there a blank "request" field to type in everything?

[bookwormde]

Sorry for your problems, but thanks for posting and saving the rest of us from falling into this “trap”. Until they fix this situation on line booking seems “dead” for anyone who is informed and uses room requests.

bookwormde

[RoutemanDan]

SSR does have a seperate area, it's to the right when you walk in the carriage house, right under the sign online check-in. Used it myself and everything worked fine.

[Starr W.]

Some of us weren't planning to use it anyway! And I don't find the Paddock to be a "disaster" LOL! I have stayed there, it was great and everything else is a request!

The "disaster" will be when on line check in "cancels" your reservation.

Good Morning CarolA! I too don't really see the benefit of online check in and wasn't planning on using it.

Disaster=cancelled reservation no matter be it at WDW or any place else.

[BostonDisneyKid]

Hmmm....nope, will checkin the old fashion way (you'd be surprised what room a $20 bill gets you!)

It has been my experience that when Mr. Andrew Jackson speaks, he can get quite a bit done almost anywhere, anytime. Mr Grant and Mr. Franklin have even more "pull" oddly enough...

[WoodysRoundup]

It has been my experience that when Mr. Andrew Jackson speaks, he can get quite a bit done almost anywhere, anytime. Mr Grant and Mr. Franklin have even more "pull" oddly enough...


What do you do......slide the bill to the check in person as you're giving your info.? Aren't DVC rooms already assigned by then? I'm up for that if it works.

[lisah0711]

popcorn:: I'd like to know, too.

[lugnut33]

popcorn:: I'd like to know, too.


Yeah, please tell us how this special system works.

[lordnamis]

LOL, I don't know how the other person does it but I do know that it worked for me once at OKW. I was given a room that was not what I liked and asked for another and told there was none available. I put a 20 on the counter with a smile on my face and asked her to look again as a joke not expecting anything to change, well guess what she says let me see what I can do and goes to a different computer at the end of the counter and comes back with a room where I wanted. I didn't know what to do with the 20 because I was kidding however she took it after she gave me my check in package. So yes the 20 will magically open rooms that weren't available 2 min earlier. As a DVC member that actually makes me a little sad that this can happen never done it again. Oh and sorry to whomever got a room in building 35 last summer with a view of 10 air conditioning units I believe I took your room.:rolleyes1

[Chuck S]

This whole online check-in process is not saving anyone any time, when we still are calling the resort to make sure our requests are in writing. Lots of redundency here....why isn't there a blank "request" field to type in everything?


I don't think a blank request box would work out well for many people. A lot of people have no idea how to phrase a request to convey what they really want. Working in customer service at a video store for years, I can only imagine what some folks would type. I know we had a lot of customers that would call and ask if we "had that movie with that guy from TV in it that was in that cop show."

[keishashadow]

:rotfl2: :lmao: :laughing: Hmmm....nope, will checkin the old fashion way (you'd be surprised what room a $20 bill gets you!)

It has been my experience that when Mr. Andrew Jackson speaks, he can get quite a bit done almost anywhere, anytime. Mr Grant and Mr. Franklin have even more "pull" oddly enough...
never crossed my mind to use the old vegas $20 trick @ "home":sad2:

guess it's a different brand of pixie dust:rolleyes:

[BWV Dreamin]

LOL, I don't know how the other person does it but I do know that it worked for me once at OKW. I was given a room that was not what I liked and asked for another and told there was none available. I put a 20 on the counter with a smile on my face and asked her to look again as a joke not expecting anything to change, well guess what she says let me see what I can do and goes to a different computer at the end of the counter and comes back with a room where I wanted. I didn't know what to do with the 20 because I was kidding however she took it after she gave me my check in package. So yes the 20 will magically open rooms that weren't available 2 min earlier. As a DVC member that actually makes me a little sad that this can happen never done it again. Oh and sorry to whomever got a room in building 35 last summer with a view of 10 air conditioning units I believe I took your room.:rolleyes1
LOL!!!:rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Hmmm.....your method worked like a charm! Yep, that's kinda how it works!!!:laughing:

[dianeschlicht]

Well, if my 11 month booking request is wiped out by doing online check-in, I guess I wont be trying that little feature. I don't see a lot of point to it anyway. It's not like checking into an airline.

[LisaS]

This whole online check-in process is not saving anyone any time, when we still are calling the resort to make sure our requests are in writing. Lots of redundency here....why isn't there a blank "request" field to type in everything?I agree with the request text box idea. Members can type in exactly what they told MS when they made their original reservation. If using online check in is going to overwrite the request I gave MS, then I want to replace it with exactly the same text. This is a case where providing a couple of "one size fits all" generic checkboxes just doesn't work since requests can be very resort specific.

Or better yet, just carry over any requests from the original reservation. If they want to have some check boxes as well, then fine but don't delete or ignore the information that has been there for nearly 11 months!

[David Raguso]

I think this all has to do with the staff at Saratoga Springs not properly handling the online check.

in summary i posted a week or so ago about my experience at SSR March 5-9 where a friend and i had requests to be in grandstand or springs and they put us at congress park. before i left and even when i got back i was assured that there wasnt a mistake with the online check, that when you do the online check in, you wont see the special requests on the screen but they will be see by the person at check in and the person who fulfulls the room assignments. therefore its the person who did the room assignments just missed our special requests.

apparently whoever does this for saratoga springs is not doing their job.

[carol1231]

We didn't do the online check in last week when we stayed at SSR, but I did see a sign like someone else posted. The sign for online check in was at the far right of the check in desk. I did get my area request, I'm glad I didn't try the online check in, and I dont' think I will be trying it in the future.

Thanks for the heads up!

[Liljam]

LOL, I don't know how the other person does it but I do know that it worked for me once at OKW. I was given a room that was not what I liked and asked for another and told there was none available. I put a 20 on the counter with a smile on my face and asked her to look again as a joke not expecting anything to change, well guess what she says let me see what I can do and goes to a different computer at the end of the counter and comes back with a room where I wanted. I didn't know what to do with the 20 because I was kidding however she took it after she gave me my check in package. So yes the 20 will magically open rooms that weren't available 2 min earlier. As a DVC member that actually makes me a little sad that this can happen never done it again. Oh and sorry to whomever got a room in building 35 last summer with a view of 10 air conditioning units I believe I took your room.:rolleyes1

:rotfl: Well if it will get me a lovely water view close to that bridge to SSR when I arrive for my stay in a THV I may have to try this, the last thing I really want is to be all the way over at the end of the property! I'll tae what I get (I'm easy) but if a $20 will move me a little closer to where I want, it;s worth a shot :thumbsup2 !

I do agree it's a waste of time to call the resort except in the case of the poster who may have had their requests canceled when they did the OCI without knowing that it could cancel other requests. I won't use the OCI unless I feel really confident that it works properly - requests and all. I still think the best way to secure any requests will be to show up early and ask at the desk when you arrive.

[Sheribo]

We have stayed in the Paddock and enjoyed it so that's not what I meant by disaster. I was referring to the wiped out request. We wanted to try each different section and the Grandstand & Congress Park were the only two we haven't been to.

I have contacted dvc member satisfaction. Other than the automated response, I haven't heard anything yet. Although it's only been 24 hours.

And today, when we went to the Carriage House, they did have a sign on the counter to the right for online check in guests. There was no one manning the desk but they might have just been watching for members to walk up. When we got in yesterday, there was no sign so we approached the CM and he told us to get in line with everyone else.

BTW, we are having a great time. Beautiful room and it's smokin' hot. It all worked out but we won't do online check in again.

[twinklebug]

I think this all has to do with the staff at Saratoga Springs not properly handling the online check.

in summary i posted a week or so ago about my experience at SSR March 5-9 where a friend and i had requests to be in grandstand or springs and they put us at congress park. before i left and even when i got back i was assured that there wasnt a mistake with the online check, that when you do the online check in, you wont see the special requests on the screen but they will be see by the person at check in and the person who fulfulls the room assignments. therefore its the person who did the room assignments just missed our special requests.

apparently whoever does this for saratoga springs is not doing their job.

I both agree and disagree. A request is nothing more than it's name. It is not an obligation on the part of DVC to get the room you want. If needed, a handicapped room "request" is however a requirement of your visit and is booked as such. If they messed that up I'd be very upset for the person who needed it.

That said, allocating rooms to members is not an easy task and some CMs are better at shuffling the pieces of the moving puzzle around than others so most everyone is happy. Even if the CM is not looking at the requests, they are still doing their job providing they give every reservation a room... they're just not doing anyone any favors.

... That said, if I don't get my requests, I do double check at check-in if they can accommodate me.

[famsen]

I can't believe they are allowed to take money from guests.
I had the most awesome concierge person help us move from Coronado Springs while I was in the middle of a nervous breakdown.
Coronado was super overbooked with a convention. It was loud, busy and I almost got run over by the inter-resort tram. The line for the food court was about 50 people deep and we had just arrived from driving an 18 hour trip from Chicago.

I started to have a panic attack. I asked concierge if there was a quieter location we could be moved to. He said they were very busy and that if I was uncomfortable with the crowds then, it was only going to get worse because and IRS convention was due in the next day. I really got panicked and asked if he could help find us a reservation at any other resort. I told him I would pay any difference in price.
He got us moved to a studio at SSR without any extra charges.
He calmed me down and was so wonderful! I tried to give him a tip. He told me he couldn't take it or he could be fired. I offered to buy him a margarita when he was off duty. He thanked me profusely but again said it was his pleasure to help and was not allowed to take any gratuity from guests.
It was his getting us that studio at SSR that made us want to buy DVC and we became members on that trip (that was almost two years ago).
I actually am quite appalled to hear a check-in guest services member took a bribe to get someone a better room.

[BostonDisneyKid]

never crossed my mind to use the old vegas $20 trick @ "home"
This is an everywhere/anywhere trick when requesting services of any kind...

And a big Thank You to lordnamis for posting your reply as you did. I didnt want to be 'that guy" (suggesting the proper means in which to go around the systems). Although I would suggest a bit more subtle approach, your method seems to have worked. I am more of a handshake ($ in palm) while looking them in the eye while introducing myself type of guy, but in the end the result is the same...

Another great example is the valets - Try tipping the valet attendants $10 on the first drop and then $5 each time after and see how quick your car shows up when you request it. Our last trip to BWV after day 2 of 10, the valets (2 of them) gave me their direct cell numbers and I would simply text them my arrive/depart times. My car would be warmed up and waiting for me before I got to the lobby every time with the heat on in the mornings and the AC on the afternoon/evenings with the radio turned down to a minimum no mater how loud I had left it prior. One of the two noticed I was running low on gas before departing for the airport on our last day and text me back to ask if I would like to him to fill up at the hess station and get me a receipt to save me time. Now that is service, but you have to pay for it. It always cracks me up when people complain on here about how terrible the valet services are at dvc - I always think, but never reply, 'did you tip them $1 and expect to go to the front of the line?'

I learned long long ago, when it comes to service, you get what you pay for...

[dcfromva]

I agree with the request text box idea.

There was a text box on Mar 11th, when I did the OLCI for our upcoming stay on Friday. The next morning someone reported on the Dis board they were first having trouble accessing the OLCI system and then when it became available, they only had 2 check box options ground floor or close to transportation... I went back into my ressie (you can go back in and make changes, you just can't change the number of people in your party) and those two options were all I could see, too.

I have no idea if this is the way they want the OLCI to work or if it is a software glitch....

[David Raguso]

My feeling is that if Disney feels that really cant handle the requests then they shouldnt accept them. However if they allow people to make requests then they have to accept the responsibility of processing them.

The only time that i would accept if the requests arent granted is if the resort is totally sold out during the time of stay, otherwise requests should be accepted.

[MiaSRN62]

I did do the online check-in for a visit this Friday and over the weekend. The ONLY reason I did was because I'm arriving on Friday at a busy time of the day and was hoping for a seperate line. I'm book preferred and have no special requests (which I did see there were only 3 choices : 1)close to transportion 2) ground floor 3) pack and play.

If there is no seperate line, I won't be using this service in the future.....I'm at POP just for a 3 day weekend trip.


Maria

[BWV Dreamin]

This is an everywhere/anywhere trick when requesting services of any kind...

And a big Thank You to lordnamis for posting your reply as you did. I didnt want to be 'that guy" (suggesting the proper means in which to go around the systems). Although I would suggest a bit more subtle approach, your method seems to have worked. I am more of a handshake ($ in palm) while looking them in the eye while introducing myself type of guy, but in the end the result is the same...

Another great example is the valets - Try tipping the valet attendants $10 on the first drop and then $5 each time after and see how quick your car shows up when you request it. Our last trip to BWV after day 2 of 10, the valets (2 of them) gave me their direct cell numbers and I would simply text them my arrive/depart times. My car would be warmed up and waiting for me before I got to the lobby every time with the heat on in the mornings and the AC on the afternoon/evenings with the radio turned down to a minimum no mater how loud I had left it prior. One of the two noticed I was running low on gas before departing for the airport on our last day and text me back to ask if I would like to him to fill up at the hess station and get me a receipt to save me time. Now that is service, but you have to pay for it. It always cracks me up when people complain on here about how terrible the valet services are at dvc - I always think, but never reply, 'did you tip them $1 and expect to go to the front of the line?'

I learned long long ago, when it comes to service, you get what you pay for...
Excellent examples.....while it may not seem "fair", actually this is done all the time.

[OrlandoNative]

Checked in at SSR yesterday also. I did not use on line check in because I suspected that I would not like the room I was assigned to which I didn't. Like always they wonderful and worked with me to get a room I was happy with. However, I was speaking with another guest by the pool and they did use on-line check in and got a room they were unhappy with. She wanted a first floor room which they had requested in their reservation because she is afraid of elevators. Instead they got a 3rd floor room. The CM refused to change the room and this was at 11 am on Saturday. She said they would never use on-line check in again. By the way the computer system crashed at 10:30 am yesterday morning and the afternoon was chaos at 4 because people who had already checked in were trying to get their keys.

[Rock'n Robin]

Well I'm also taking online checkin off of my list. We have one cash day in the middle anyhow so I was nervous about the 3 reservations being linked up so we don't have to move. Now I'm more interested in getting either of my requests (grandstand or congress park), or at least a section with a pool. We got a really crappy room last year at YC and "nothing else is available" so I seem to have the bad room luck.
Hopefully since we arrive on a Monday at 1030AM we can have a good choice.
Robin M.

[gkrykewy]

I am more of a handshake ($ in palm) while looking them in the eye while introducing myself type of guy, but in the end the result is the same...

Bill in palm while making eye contact? Seriously? That sounds like an awkward Will Ferrell character.

[Sheribo]

By the way the computer system crashed at 10:30 am yesterday morning and the afternoon was chaos at 4 because people who had already checked in were trying to get their keys.

We checked in around 11 and got a temporary key but didn't go back till this morning for our permanent ones.

We have never stayed in the Grandstand section before and it's wonderful.

[mjlass11]

They have a lot of problems with their computer systems. I just returned from BWV and all of our problems were from their computers "not communicating" with each other. Until they do a major overhaul and get the bugs worked out, I will do as little online as possible.

[sznk]

I can't speak for SSR and online check-in, but last week at BCV worked like a charm.
I had done online check-in a week prior to our arrival. Since the only options were 'first floor' and 'close to transportation', I phoned MS regarding the requests I made when booking the reservation. I was assured that my requests were still noted, but not online.
When I walked into the BC Lobby and looked around, I was greeted immediately by a gentleman who asked if I was "Mrs ..... " I said "Yes," and he escorted me over to the far end where a delightful CM handed me my package after I showed her my driver's license.
This was ~ 12:30 pm, and our room was ready. I checked to see if my requests had been met, and much to my delighted surprise - they were!
We got the floor, wing, and view we requested. It was wonderful. :yay:

[OneMoreTry]

I will probably use online check in anyway.

I like to try new things. I may have to live and learn but WTH.
At worst I'll get a rant here and have to walk a longer way from the elevator.

[BostonDisneyKid]

Originally Posted by BostonDisneyKid
I am more of a handshake ($ in palm) while looking them in the eye while introducing myself type of guy, but in the end the result is the same...

Originally Posted by gkrykewy
Bill in palm while making eye contact? Seriously? That sounds like an awkward Will Ferrell character.

gkrykewy - When rephrased as you have termed it, I'd have to agree...

[snowbunny]

Oh and sorry to whomever got a room in building 35 last summer with a view of 10 air conditioning units I believe I took your room.:rolleyes1

lolz:laughing:
Cash does work wonders, I always tip the valet guys pretty well but haven't yet had to use this tactic at the front desk although outside Disney it is a fact of life.

[MomsOf2boys]

I can't believe they are allowed to take money from guests.

I actually am quite appalled to hear a check-in guest services member took a bribe to get someone a better room.

When we were on our DCL we were concierge level and the concierge told us that they are paid to help and therefore not allowed to take tips for their extra special service. Others are not, therefore tipping is in place. It may be the same type of thing if concierge was helping you? :confused3

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

We are currently staying at SSR and did the online check in but when we arrived we found that we were in the Paddock. We booked at the 11 month window and requested the Grandstand or Congress park since we haven't stayed in either before. When I said that I would like to be moved, I was told that I hadn't made any requests when I did online check in and that my previous request was wiped out at that point. After that, the room is randomly assigned. The only requests that you can make when you do the online check in is 'ground floor' or 'close to transportation'.

They did not have a separate desk or person to hand out check in packages. We all waited in the same line up and the CM just walked to a trolley and pulled the premade package from a bin. We did everything the same way as before.

And yes, they did move us but I will not do online check in again. OK, down to the bar!

I KNEW it was too good to be true. Thank you very much for this thread!

[eyeheartgoofy]

I hate to disappoint, but making your requests 11 months out doesn't give them any priority over a more recent reservation. I mean, I wish it did ... then maybe I would actually get a room at VWL (my home resort) that doesn't face the road/bus stop area.

Our best room location (in terms of requests granted) was the OKW stay we booked 6 weeks out ... a hop, skip and a jump away from the hospitality house.

I'm doubting that requests made and "wiped out" by online check in actually carried that much weight in the first place. Maybe I'm just a big pessimist.

[KeepSwimmingDory]

The online check-in didn't save us much time. They couldn't find our folder and had to print us another one. Hadn't made any requests that it cancelled but I can see that as a problem.

[plutomastif]

I will try a Mr. Jackson to get what I want in June!!!

[princessesrule4]

Thanks for letting us know your experience!

[CarolA]

For those of you planning the "Tip the CM" deal.

A resort CM has posted on the resort board in the past that this is grounds for firing. So I expect that at least SOME CMs would not really want to lose thier job over your $20 :lmao: So don't be surprised if in spite of the few "success" stories you read on here you get politely turned down (and if the CM finds you insulting you get that horrid view as a point of honor!):rotfl:

[lordnamis]

Let me be clear that I did the 20 dollars as a joke and didn't expect it to work(I was smiling and laughing as I did it). Never had I done this before and have not done it again and will not plan too. I would feel bad if someone losses there job over a view on my vacation. I was just saying how it happened once to me because someone asked. Like someone else said though you might insult the person and get a bad room because of it. I wish I did have the pic of the room at OKW I did get at the beginning though it has to be the worst view ever, 10-15 air conditioning units and vegetation around it so thats all you can see and HEAR by the way. Someone out there must know of this view. LOL

[Chuck S]

I wish I did have the pic of the room at OKW I did get at the beginning though it has to be the worst view ever, 10-15 air conditioning units and vegetation around it so thats all you can see and HEAR by the way. Someone out there must know of this view. LOL

Most units along the fairways are pretty heavily wooded at OKW for protection from errant golf balls. Most of the A/C units are on the ends of the buildings, and that is the normal "view" for studios. However, some of the larger buildings, most notably the "u" shaped buildings also have A/C visibility from 1 and 2 bedroom balconies.

[nzdisneymom]

We did online check-in for OKW last weekend. We wanted a higher room than ground which we had requested when we made our reservation. We were assigned a ground room. Also, because our kids are over age 10, their keys had charging privileges on them, so when we arrived (there was no line, the online check-in area was clearly marked and a CM was standing by ready to get our folder), we needed to get new keys for them (non-charging). Since we were having to get new keys anyway, I asked if an upper floor room was available - there was, in a different building, but they easily moved us - and it was to the Millers Rd area which is the only area in OKW we had not yet stayed (building 18 - loved it!).

Anyway, if they were to ask what "requests" I would like to be able to make online, I would like a "higher floor" option as well as the ground floor; also an opportunity to mark "no charging privileges" for specific guests. We also had to request and wait for a parking permit -- it would've been nice to have been able to check a box that said we would need one.

But even so, it was a bit faster than regular check-in because we didn't have to produce ID / credit card, etc. Just picked up our packet, made those few changes, and off we went.

[Sammie]

CarolA is correct, accepting tips at the Front Desk can cost a CM their job and now that this has been brought to the attention of Disney, due to this thread, you can be certain they will be watched.

[MomsOf2boys]

We did online check-in for OKW last weekend. We wanted a higher room than ground which we had requested when we made our reservation. We were assigned a ground room. Also, because our kids are over age 10, their keys had charging privileges on them, so when we arrived (there was no line, the online check-in area was clearly marked and a CM was standing by ready to get our folder), we needed to get new keys for them (non-charging). Since we were having to get new keys anyway, I asked if an upper floor room was available - there was, in a different building, but they easily moved us - and it was to the Millers Rd area which is the only area in OKW we had not yet stayed (building 18 - loved it!).

Anyway, if they were to ask what "requests" I would like to be able to make online, I would like a "higher floor" option as well as the ground floor; also an opportunity to mark "no charging privileges" for specific guests. We also had to request and wait for a parking permit -- it would've been nice to have been able to check a box that said we would need one.

But even so, it was a bit faster than regular check-in because we didn't have to produce ID / credit card, etc. Just picked up our packet, made those few changes, and off we went.

I didn't know that online check in did not allow for who can charge on their keys. The online disney cruise does allow you to uncheck someone who has no priviledges. That will take off online for us as we have other adults going with us and I don't really want to share my credit card with them. ;)

CarolA is correct, accepting tips at the Front Desk can cost a CM their job and now that this has been brought to the attention of Disney, due to this thread, you can be certain they will be watched.


Well they know they are not supposed to and I have had CM's in non-tipping positions just say, "We are not allowed to accept tips, but thank you." I was not at a check in and trying to get a better room, but still, I think most value their jobs more than $20 bucks extra.

[bonrea]

We check into OKW tomorrow and did the Online check in on the 12th. We will let you know how it goes.

[bonrea]

Monday March, 23rd. Rain all night and expected all day today.

Anyways. We arrived yesterday at 11am-ish. We did the online check in thingy on March 12th and thought this should be quick and easy. NOPE. We walk into the lobby and the line is to the door. Never seen it this busy. At least not me… We are told the online check in CM is in the booth on the far left. We start to go over there but are then told we must stand in line everyone else. hmmm...
We wait until no one is at the online check in counter then ask if we can go to that counter. People still in front of us. hmmm... No one else is or has done online check in in front of us. A "floor walker" asked if anyone in line has done online check in. No except us. He sends us to the counter.

Fun begins here: We had the Online check in papers I printed to bring with us, Our Photo IDs, and reservation information. There was no package prepared, information in the computer was wrong. No evidence of the online check in having occurred, nothing. The CM had to do the standard stuff. Bummer....

Also: We had a reservation for a two bedroom because we had friends coming with us. Their DH got laid off and they couldn't come. I call two weeks ago and had the CM at the DVC reservation office take their names and information off the reservation. NOPE. All still there. The CM at the counter started handing us First Time buttons and all kinds of stuff which was for our now not coming friends. We politely mentioned the change that was requested and the CM seemed put out.

My DH works with computers and computer software systems all the time so he was calm about the whole thing because he knows these things happen with new systems. But good grief.

[Goofy's apprentice]

We are here at SSr now (leaving tomorrow). This vacation we had three room changes and on-line check-in worked for them all. No requests were lost. In one case we didn't like the room location and they changed it for us. For the rooms that we liked the choice it was quick and easy. We stayed in SSR and VWL.

I think, as per the experience with getting room requests, this system will give varying results until they get more experience with it.

For us, it worked.

[bonrea]

Yes... Sorry, forgot to mention that we are at OKW building 13...:rolleyes1

[minnieluvzmickey]

I also checked in the 15th and had a very different experience. The online check in was to the right and I did not have to wait in the long line that regular check in people were in. My packet was already ready with keys made and dining plan attached. All I had to do was pick it up and she was only on the computer for a second getting us all squared away. I had made a request with MS (not on the online check in) to be in Grandstand, 1st floor, near the pool and all three were granted no problem. We had a great time.

We also stayed at BCV this stay for a few nights and when I walked up to the online check in desk the CM asked me if I was Mrs. Bradford (how did she know?) when I said yes she said I was just notified that your room is ready (this was at 10 am)....I was so excited since I had a bunch of stuff to drop off before heading to the parks again. Room request for this stay was also granted no problem.

I guess I was lucky!